Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pans (3)
- Electric mixer
- Cake leveler (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the evaporated milk and water, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
- 12 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Whole milk can be used instead of evaporated milk.
Variations:
- Chocolate Smith Island Cake: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour to 1 1/2 cups.
- Lemon Smith Island Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the batter and substitute lemon juice for the water.
- Coconut Smith Island Cake: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
Tips and tricks:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Level the cakes with a cake leveler or a serrated knife before frosting.
- Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding more liquid to the batter next time.
- If the cake is too dense, try reducing the amount of flour in the recipe.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and utensils before handling food.
- Use pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
- The Smith Island Cake is the official dessert of Maryland and has been a tradition on Smith Island for over 100 years.
Flavor profiles:
- The Traditional Smith Island Cake is a moist and tender yellow cake with a sweet and buttery flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea.
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Region: American